Seeing the lighthouse

PANAMA CITY — Design plans for the lighthouse at the soon-to-be-renovated Downtown Marina do not remotely resemble the vision originally proposed by the group of residents who spearheaded the project.

ALI HELGOTH / News Herald Writer

And that’s OK by them.

“When this project began in 2003, it was going to be a quaint, utilitarian structure that would honor our community’s history as well as serve as an event shelter with a beacon top, designed after an authentic, historical Florida lighthouse design,” said Pat Sabiston, chairwoman of The Panama City Lighthouse Board of Directors.

The design approved last week by the Panama City Community Redevelopment Agency, comprised of Panama City Commissioners, was described as iconic and unique — neither quaint nor utilitarian.

The lighthouse will be about 80 feet high, with a staircase spiraling around the structure, leading to a platform about 55 feet from the ground. A metal mesh surrounds the structure to provide cover.

Visitors will be able to climb the structure, and those with disabilities will be able to ride an elevator to the top making it one of the few Americans with Disabilities Act compliant lighthouses.

Lighthouse board members worked with the CRA and the project architect on the design.

“Not only has the design changed to be a more dramatic, climbable venue … but the promotional possibilities have grown right along with the design and we are extraordinarily excited about the various tourism and economic development possibilities,” Sabiston said.

The project design selected is more than the amount allocated in the marina project budget for the lighthouse at about $600,000 instead of $400,000.

The lighthouse group plans to work with the CRA to raise more money for the project.

The idea for the project began with a local Rotary Club.

“This is no longer a Rotary project, but Rotary members are fiscally and physically committed to helping this happen because we started it, we want to see the lighthouse built,” Sabiston said.

Some fundraising has started, but it stopped when the project stalled. Before it ramps up again, a written agreement between the city and lighthouse group must be approved.

The group plans to hold fundraisers and seek corporate sponsors for the structure.

Sabiston believes the lighthouse will be an economic driver.

She said lighthouses throughout the state are tourism draws, and she believes the structure, which could be seen from St. Andrews State Park, can encourage beach visitors to cross the Hathaway Bridge, which would benefit other Panama City businesses. Incorporation of a gift shop or museum would increase revenue.

She also said the lighthouse would work as a navigational aid, something she said is needed.

“If you’re coming through our pass in pea soup, you’re going to be grateful for the lighthouse to at least give you some bearings coming through that fog,” she said.

The Coast Guard has been involved with the project and will help with permitting, she said.